On Thursday, the governor of Virginia officially proposed pushing up the timeline to implement cannabis legalization. He also addressed concerns over provisions dealing with home cultivation, expungements, and worker protections.
The governor’s proposal would make it so possession of cannabis by adults 21 and older will be legal on July 1, rather than in 2024. This came after top legislators and reform advocates continued to push for these changes.
Starting July 1, home cultivation will be permitted. Plants need to have a label with information for identification purposes. They will also need to be kept out of sight from the public view. Finally, they will need to be kept out of the range of individuals under the age of 21.
In a press release, Governor Northam talked about how Virginia will focus on three things. Public safety, public health, and social justice as they work to legalize cannabis.
Now lawmakers will take up Northam’s proposed changes in a session on April 7.
Proposed Changes
In his changes, he is asking the legislature to adopt an amendment to expedite automatic expungements. For people with prior cannabis convictions.
He additionally called for funding for a public education campaign on the health and safety risks of cannabis. Further, he proposed a revision so that regulators could revoke a company’s business license. If they interfere with union organizing efforts.
Support from Attorney General
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said he supports the push to legalize cannabis possession by July 1. He sat down with 10 On Your Side to discuss the push for Virginia cannabis legalization.
He said that it is important to expedite cannabis reform. Because of the negative impact current legislation has on Black and brown Virginians.
Herring said, “There are some reports of data that show even with decriminalization that Black Virginians were still getting hit with civil fines and citations at a disproportionately higher rate.” This is why he favors legalization as early as possible.
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